Southwest this week.

A Kennel Of A Different Breed

November 19, 1995

JOLIET — Historians blame flea-infested rats with spreading the Black Death that killed nearly a third of Europe's population in the 1300s. However, a Joliet city planner said it was concern about a business operating in a residential neighborhood, and not health issues, that led the Zoning Board of Appeals to reject a request for a rat breeding kennel. The same request will be brought before the Joliet City Council Tuesday night.

Jim Torri, a city planner, said the city originally received the request for a zoning variance from rat breeder George Hull. "It's been the most unusual request I've been associated with," Torri said. "I've been full-time for three years and here since 1990." Robert Herrick, vice president of governmental affairs for the Will County Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber was not aware of any other rat breeding kennels in Will County.

The council will meet Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Joliet City Hall, 150 W. Jefferson St.